The Bedford Village Common’s skating pond was named the Anagnost Family Pond in honor of Dick and Demetria Anagnost. The family has made many contributions to town, including the construction of the pond. (Susan Clark Photo)

Village Common pond named for benefactor

by Susan Clark, ssclarknews@gmail.com

The Bedford Village Common has taken nearly 20 years to build, but it took only minutes for the Town Council to accept the Bedford Village Common Development Committee’s recommendation to recognize a Bedford family.

At the June 26 meeting, town councilors voted 6-0 to name the pond in the Village Common the Anagnost Family Pond.

The naming of the skating pond was part of a naming-rights agreement with Dick and Demetria Anagnost, who provided in-kind services to the Bedford Village Common, especially in building the pond.

“The pond is a major component of the park. It is a feature that will, hopefully, attract a lot of use this coming winter, and it didn’t get there without significant effort,” said Councilor Bill Jean. “I think it’s great we have an opportunity to recognize Dick and the Anagnost family for their contributions to the town.”

Councilor Jim Scanlon said the family has been very supportive of the town, and is deserving of the honor.

“The Anagnost company has made substantial and numerous contributions to the building, expansion and development of Bedford,” he said. “It’s nice to know their family name will be on a plaque at the BVC to recognize all those contributions, including the skating pond.”

Chairman Chris Bandazian agreed and extended his appreciation to the Anagnost family.

“It’s a terrific new landmark for the center of town,” Bandazian said.

Naming the skating pond is the second recommendation from the Bedford Village Common Development Committee. The council had also agreed to name the Market Basket Bandstand in recognition of the supermarket chain’s $25,000 donation to the park.

The Bedford Village Common also features a veterans memorial, gardens, park benches, walking paths, a pergola and birdhouses. A warming hut at the skating pond, which will resemble the old Bedford train depot, is also planned.

The park has been made possible through many donations of goods and services, and the financial support of Bedford residents, local businesses and the town. Girl Scout Troop 21981 in Bedford recently planted an American liberty elm tree in the park as part of the girls’ service project. The Bedford Village Common’s grand opening took place June 9.

In addition to donations, a buy-a-brick campaign is ongoing for people who want to purchase an engraved brick or granite paver. Bricks are available at $100 each or $150 for two; granite pavers cost $300 each. Donor forms are available on the towns website, www.bedfordnh.org. Click on the Bedford Village Common Development Committee link under Boards & Committees. Forms are also available at town offices at 24 N. Amherst Road.

The current members of the Bedford Village Common Development Committee include Beverly Thomas, chairman; Jeanene Procopis, vice-chairman; Deb Sklar; Richard Poisson; Town Council representatives Mac McMahan and Bill Dermody; and Dennis Tokac of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Dick Anagnost is president of Anagnost Investments Inc. nd has more than 30 years of experience in real estate and land development in Manchester, Northern New England and internationally. His company’s projects have included the revitalization of downtown Elm Street and the millyard area, and construction of The Elliot at River’s Edge, a $100 million project to build an ambulatory care and urgent care center in Manchester.

He is a long-time member of of the Workforce Opportunity Council, the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, the JobCorps Task Force, board member of Families in Transition, the Moore Center Services, and director of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He is also a youth football coach for the Bedford Jaguars and CYO basketball coach for St. George. Anagnost was also instrumental in the World War II monument project in Veterans Park.

Dick and his wife, Demetria, live in Bedford. The couple has three sons, Alexander, Stavros and Demetri.